then we become loose of all of our diplomatic moorings. we still have 90,000 troops in afghanistan. iraq is having very big difficulties. the entire area is so combustible and dangerous. this is an example of how we have to be careful how we spread our way through this -- how we tried our way through this. -- how we tread our way throught this. guest: i think that is very important because it is now freeing up assets. countries like iran and others are looking at the fact that america will have more capacity with less tied down. we need to remember that there are a couple of factors here. if chuck hagel were to be confirmed as secretary of defense, he will follow the president's policy as stated. senate confirmation hearings are wonderful exercises. it is just like watching c-span. you can learn so much that you did not know. the questions and doubts others have will be served at this meeting. they become a wonderful case statements and records and the way american democracy should take place. if you took chuck hagel's statements in that we need to think strategically and not active